Device pairing with a dual use piezoelectric acoustic component and vibration sensor

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of the present invention include placing a smart device and a peripheral device in pairing mode; detecting at least one pairing motion event with a dual use piezo circuit within the peripheral device; transmitting an indication of the occurrence of the at least one pairing motion event to the smart device; receiving in the smart device the indication of the occurrence of the at least one pairing motion event in satisfaction of at least one pairing condition; and pairing the smart device with the peripheral device in response to satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition. Numerous other aspects are provided.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 62/021,690, filed Jul. 7, 2014 and entitled“METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR IMPROVED DATA COMMUNICATIONS”, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for allpurposes.

FIELD

Embodiments of the present invention relate to pairing between wirelesselectronic devices and, more specifically, to efficiently and securelyestablishing communication via pairing between such devices.

BACKGROUND

Existing pairing methods for securely establishing communicationsbetween two wireless devices (e.g., such as between a cell phone and anautomobile audio system or a wireless headset, etc.) typically require aparticular sequence of non-intuitive steps and the exchange of up to asix digit key that is selected and/or displayed on one device andentered into the other device. In addition to having the user know therequired sequence of steps, means for selecting, displaying and/orentering the key are required. Thus, conventional pair-able devices thatmight not otherwise require a display or a numeric input device fornormal operation (e.g., a loud speaker, a heart rate monitor, etc.) mayneed to include such extra elements in order to be able to pair forsecure, wireless operation. Thus, what are needed are methods andapparatus for improved device pairing.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, a method of pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The method includes placing a smart device and a peripheraldevice in pairing mode; detecting at least one pairing motion event witha dual use piezo circuit within the peripheral device; transmitting anindication of the occurrence of the at least one pairing motion event tothe smart device; receiving in the smart device the indication of theoccurrence of the at least one pairing motion event in satisfaction ofat least one pairing condition; and pairing the smart device with theperipheral device in response to satisfaction of the at least onepairing condition.

In some other embodiments, a system for pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The system includes a first wireless device that includes aprogrammable smart device that is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled;and a second wireless device that includes a BLE enabled peripheraldevice and a dual use piezo circuit within the peripheral device. Thesecond wireless device includes a processor and memory storingperipheral device instructions executable on the processor, wherein theperipheral device instructions when executed are operable to: place thesecond wireless device in a pairing mode, detect performance of at leastone pairing motion event, and broadcast an indication of the occurrenceof the at least one pairing motion event to the smart device. The smartdevice includes a processor and memory storing smart device instructionsexecutable on the processor, wherein the smart device instructions whenexecuted are operable to: receive the indication of the occurrence ofthe at least one pairing motion event in satisfaction of at least onepairing condition, and pair the smart device and the peripheral devicein response to satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition.

In yet other embodiments, dual use piezo circuit is provided. The dualuse piezo circuit includes a microcontroller including a comparator anda digital to analog converter (DAC); and a piezoelectric buzzer havingoutputs coupled to inputs of the microcontroller. An output of the DACis coupled to an input of the comparator, and an output of thepiezoelectric buzzer is coupled to an input of the comparator.

In some embodiments, a method of pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The method includes placing at least one of two devices in apairing mode; performing at least one pairing motion event with at leastone of the wireless devices to satisfy at least one pairing condition;detecting satisfaction of the at least one pairing condition; andpairing the two wireless devices in response to detecting satisfactionof the at least one pairing condition.

In some other embodiments, a system for pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The system includes a first wireless device that includes aprogrammable smart device that is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled;and a second wireless device that is BLE enabled. The second wirelessdevice includes a processor and memory storing second wireless deviceinstructions executable on the processor, wherein the second wirelessdevice instructions when executed are operable to place the secondwireless device in a pairing mode. The smart device includes a processorand memory storing smart device instructions executable on theprocessor, wherein the smart device instructions when executed areoperable to: detect performance of at least one pairing motion event,determine if performance of at least one pairing motion event satisfiedat least one pairing condition, and pair the two wireless devices inresponse to determining satisfaction of the at least one pairingcondition.

In yet other embodiments, a method of pairing two wireless devices isprovided. The method includes executing a pairing application on a smartdevice that is BLE enabled; placing a second BLE enabled deviceimmediately proximate to the smart device; placing the second device ina pairing mode; instructing a user to move the second device away fromthe smart device; instructing the user to move the second device towardthe smart device in response to detecting that a first pairing conditionhas been satisfied by a first motion event; and pairing the smart devicewith the second device in response to detecting that a second pairingcondition has been satisfied by a second motion event.

Numerous other aspects are provided in accordance with these and otheraspects of the invention. Other features and aspects of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent from the following detaileddescription, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 depicts an example system diagram according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a functional block diagram of a first example logiccircuit according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a logic block diagram of a second example circuitaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a pairing motion sequence according to embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart illustrating an example method according toembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 depicts a block diagram of a blood gluclose monitor configurablefor use in embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a piezoelectric buzzer suitable for use inembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts an example system diagram illustrating an example pairingmethod according to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram depicting an example dual use piezo circuitaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a graph of example signals generated by the dual use piezocircuit of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram depicting an example dual use piezo circuitaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a graph of example signals generated by the dual use piezocircuit of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram depicting an example dual use piezo circuitaccording to embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 14 depicts a flowchart illustrating an example method according toembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide improved methods andapparatus for securely pairing wireless electronic devices to establisha trusted wireless communications channel between the devices. Insteadof exchanging a numeric pairing key, embodiments of the presentinvention use a pairing motion event to satisfy at least one pairingcondition before pairing is permitted.

Various wireless protocols such as Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) require apairing process to establish a communications link. BLE is a radiofrequency (RF) communications protocol that operates in the 2.4 GHzindustrial, scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. The BLEspecification includes profile definitions to support communicationbetween devices such as blood glucose meters (BGMs) and a smartphone ortablet, as well as a proximity profile that allows a proximity monitor(e.g., on a smartphone) to detect whether a proximity reporter (e.g., ona BGM) is within a specified range. Physical proximity can be estimatedusing the radio receiver's received signal strength indicator (RSSI)value.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a novel pairing processthat can be used to securely establish a communications link between twodevices without requiring a user to enter a key, nor the devices toinclude facilities for selecting, displaying and/or entering a key. Insome embodiments, pairing is performed by putting the devices in pairingmode, moving the devices apart and then together. Using proximitymeasurement over time (e.g., using the proximity profile for BLE), acommunications link can be established based upon first detecting theclose proximity of the two devices, then detecting the increasingdistance between the devices to a first threshold (e.g., reduced signalstrength), and finally detecting the decreasing distance between thedevice to a second threshold (e.g., increased signal strength).

In some other embodiments, pairing is performed by putting the devicesin pairing mode and then tapping the two devices together. The tap canbe detected using an accelerometer (e.g., on a smart phone). In yetother embodiments, both discovery and pairing are achieved by taping onedevice that is in pairing mode with another device that is in a standbymode. The tap event is used to wake the device in standby mode to enterinto pairing mode. With both devices in pairing mode, the pairing basedon the tap event then proceeds as above.

In embodiments that use a tap event as the basis for pairing, analternative means for detecting the tap event that can be used in placeof (or in addition to) the wireless device's accelerometer is thewireless device's piezoelectric acoustic component. The Piezo speaker orbuzzer found in many wireless devices is typically used to generateaudio signals (i.e., sounds) but according to embodiments of the presentinvention, the piezoelectric acoustic component can additionally be usedas a vibration, shock, or impact sensor to detect a tap event. Thus, indevices that do not have an accelerometer but do have some form of apiezoelectric acoustic component, such as a piezoelectric buzzer orpiezoelectric speaker, the piezoelectric acoustic component can be usedin the tap-based pairing methods of embodiments of the present inventionwhile still being functional for generating audio.

In each type of the above embodiments, detection of a pre-definedphysical motion event (e.g., a changing proximity pattern/motionsequence or a tap event that satisfies at least one pairing condition)while in pairing mode (or upon waking into pairing mode) serves toreplace a conventional numeric key exchange process as the basis forsecurely establishing communications between the two devices. Note thatthe establishment of the communications link is considered “secure”because only the two devices concurrently undergoing the pre-definedphysical event while in pairing mode can establish the link.Eavesdropper devices are precluded from connecting (e.g., by highjacking the connection) because they do not participate in thepre-defined physical motion event (e.g., the tap event or the pairingmotion sequence/proximity pattern). In other words, a non-secure pairingsystem would allow a link to be established by merely putting the twodevices in pairing mode within range of each other. Embodiments of thepresent invention insure that only the intended devices that satisfy apairing condition by participating in a pairing motion event can bepaired and any eavesdropper devices cannot be paired. Thus, theseembodiments provide the user with both the convenience of a simple,intuitive pairing procedure and a sense of security and certainty.

Turning to FIG. 1, an example system 100 according to embodiments of thepresent invention is provided. In some embodiments, the system 100 caninclude a BGM 102 with BLE capability and one or more smartphones 104A,104B, 104C also with BLE capability. Note that the example system 100 isshown with a BGM 102 and one or more smartphones 104A, 104B, 104C merelyas an illustrative example. Further note that the system 100 canalternatively use any wireless devices that are enabled with anycommunications protocol (e.g., BLE, Bluetooth, ANT Protocol, etc.) thatuses pairing to securely establish a trusted wireless communication link106. For example, embodiments of the present invention can be used forpairing Bluetooth devices such as the Lockitron Deadbolt, Motorola'sH19TXT Headset, the Polaroid Pogo Connect Smart Pen, the Pebble E-PaperWatch, the Wahoo Fitness KICKR stationary exercise bike system, the NikeHyperdunk+basketball shoes, the Jabra Solemate docking station speakersystem, the Withings Wireless Scale WS-30, the Scosche RHYTHM armbandpulse sensor, the Microsoft Sculpt Mobile Keyboard, the Polaroid PoGoInstant Mobile Printer, the Kensington Vo200 Bluetooth Internet Phone,the BlueAnt Supertooth 3 Hands-Free Speakerphone, the InterlinkElectronics VP6600 ExpressCard Media Remote for Bluetooth, the LegoMindstorms NXT Robot Kit, the Baracoda D-Fly Bar Code Scanner, theGARMIN GLO Portable Aviation GPS. In addition, “smart devices” such assmartphones, tablets such as the Apple iPad, any personal or laptopcomputer with a Bluetooth adapter such as the Kinivo BTD-400 Bluetooth4.0 USB adapter, any programmable device with wireless communicationfacility, etc. can be paired using the methods and apparatus ofembodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts a functional block diagram illustrating an example logiccircuit 200 embodiment of the present invention that uses a tap eventfor pairing. Note that even though the components of the circuit 200 arerepresented as hardware devices, in some embodiments, circuit can beembodied as software or a combination of hardware and softwarecomponents executing on a programmable device (e.g., a smartphone,tablet, etc.). The illustrated embodiment assumes that at least one ofthe two devices to be paired includes an accelerometer. The examplecircuit 200, in some embodiments, will only pair the devices if thefollowing three pairing conditions are met. First, the tap is intenseenough to yield an accelerometer response above a specified “tapthreshold.” Second, the RF signal strength is increasing (e.g., devicesare getting closer) at a rate above a specified “mobility threshold.”Third, the RF signal strength is at a value above a specified “proximitythreshold.” In some other embodiments, not all three pairing conditionsare required to be satisfied for pairing.

In operation, assume that one of the devices to be paired is a BLEenabled smartphone 104A (FIG. 1) that has an accelerometer installedwhile the other device is a BLE enabled BGM 102. Embodiments of thepresent invention allow a user to pair the BLE BGM 102 with a smartphone104A using an installed application and a simple tap to pair procedure.The user starts the application on the smartphone 104A and turns on theBGM 102. The user brings the devices together and taps one against theother. Discovery and pairing will be automatically initiated in responseto the sudden change in the accelerometer readings and the proximity ofthe devices (i.e., a detected change in the BGM 102 BLE signal strengthdetected by application running on the smartphone 104A).

Thus, embodiments of the invention allow two BLE enabled devices to pair(in terms of the BLE standard) when one device taps another and thepairing conditions are satisfied. As illustrated in the functional blockdiagram of the logic circuit 200 in FIG. 2, meeting the pairingconditions can be represented as a signal flow gated by the conditions.The example logic circuit 200 is divided into a signal processing block202 and a decision logic block 204. The signal processing block 202receives an accelerometer data input signal 206 from the accelerometerand a BLE signal strength signal 208 from the BLE radio receiver. Basedon these two input signals and three pre-defined threshold values, thelogic circuit 200 creates a binary output signal 210 that indicateswhether to pair the devices or not.

The signal processing block 202 determines if sudden changes inacceleration of the smartphone 104A have occurred that indicate a tapevent has occurred. In some embodiments, the accelerometer data inputsignal 206 is initially put through a direction filter 211 to removecomponents of acceleration in the Y and Z directions. In order to detectthe very moment when one device taps another (e.g., instantaneousmotion), common “not so sudden” movements (which can be viewed as a lowfrequency component of the accelerometer data input signal 206) arefiltered out from the data generated by the accelerometer. The lowfrequency component is filtered out by applying a high pass digitalfilter 212 to the accelerometer data input signal 206. In someembodiments, the high pass digital filter 212 can be embodied as asimple, 1-tap infinite impulse response (IIR) digital filter. Thisapproach also helps to dampen or flatten out effects of gravity onsensor data since the accelerometer measures acceleration associatedwith the phenomenon of weight experienced by any test mass at rest inthe frame of reference of the accelerometer device (e.g., commonlyreferred to as g-force acceleration).

The physics of a tap event is such that the devices experience someacceleration in the opposite direction (e.g., away from each other)immediately after the tap event. Thus, by taking the derivative of thehigh pass digital filter 212 output (e.g., the difference betweenconsecutive outputs), the resulting signal is enhanced to show suddenchanges in acceleration more clearly. Thus, the signal processing block202 includes a signal differentiation block 214 that receives thedigital filter 212 output and outputs the derivative (i.e., d/dt) of thesignal to the decision logic block 204. While in some embodiments thisadditional signal processing can be optional, enhancing the signal doesmake the process more robust (e.g., more tolerant of “shake”, e.g., fromnormal jostling) and more reliably able to accurately identify a tapevent.

To determine the relative mobility of the devices towards each other(i.e., how quickly the devices are getting closer), the rate of changeof the BLE signal strength signal 208 is determined by taking thederivative of the signal 208. Thus, the signal processing block 202includes a second signal differentiation block 216 that receives the BLEsignal strength signal 208 and outputs the derivative (i.e., d/dt) ofthe signal to the decision logic block 204.

The decision logic block 204 includes a first comparator 218 with inputscoupled to the enhanced signal derived from the high pass digital filter212 output and a tap threshold value 220 selected to be large enough toinsure that the devices were intentionally taped against one another butnot so large that the tap could cause damage to either device. Theoutput of the first comparator 218 generates a binary signal that when“TRUE” indicates if the acceleration associated with the tap event wassufficient to exceed the tap threshold value 220.

The decision logic block 204 also includes a second comparator 222 withinputs coupled to the output of the second signal differentiation block216 and a mobility threshold value 224 selected to be large enough toinsure that the devices were intentionally moved together before the tapevent. The output of the second comparator 222 generates a binary signalthat when “TRUE” indicates if the relative rate of movement of thedevices leading up to the tap event was sufficient to exceed themobility threshold value 224.

The decision logic block 204 also includes a third comparator 226 withinputs coupled to the BLE signal strength signal 208 and a proximitythreshold value 228 selected to be large enough to insure that thedevices were close enough together at the time of the tap event toinsure that they contacted each other. The output of the thirdcomparator 226 generates a binary signal that when “TRUE” indicates thatthe devices were close enough together (e.g., signal strength indicatesproximity) to exceed the proximity threshold value 228.

Coupled to the outputs of the three comparators 218, 222, 226, a logicAND gate 230 receives the binary signals from each. The logic AND gate230 generates the binary output signal 210 which indicates to pair onlyif all three binary signals from the three comparators 218, 222, 226 are“TRUE”. If any comparator binary output signal is not “TRUE”, the logicAND gate 230 generates a signal indicating that the devices should notbe paired.

The above described embodiment uses an accelerometer on the smartphoneside to detect a tap event. In embodiments that do not involve a tapevent, an accelerometer is not needed. FIG. 3 depicts a logic circuit300 for a pairing method based on detecting the occurrence of apre-defined proximity pattern or pairing motion sequence/event insteadof a tap event. The pre-defined proximity pattern can be, for example,moving the devices apart to a threshold maximum distance and then movingthe devices together to a threshold minimum distance, both movementsoccurring at a rate above a mobility threshold. Other proximity/motionpatterns can be used such as moving the devices together and then apartor moving the devices apart slowly at first and then more rapidly aftera certain distance apart is reached.

The logic circuit 300 of FIG. 3 is configured to detect a simplepre-defined proximity pattern or pairing motion sequence/event whereinpairing occurs if the devices start next to each other and are thenmoved apart at a rate above a mobility threshold. In some embodimentswith more complex proximity patterns, the example logic circuit 300 canbe used for an initial determination that the devices were moved apartfaster than a certain rate and a second logic circuit can be used todetermine that a second movement occurred faster than a certain rate.The two movements together can be used to separately satisfy two pairingconditions. Likewise, the logic circuit 300 can be adjusted to detectdifferent pairing motion events at different times to detect a sequenceof movements that satisfies corresponding pairing conditions.

The example logic circuit 300 includes a signal processing block 302 anda decision logic block 304. The signal processing block 302 receives aBLE signal strength signal 208 from the BLE radio receiver. Based onthis input signal and two threshold values, the logic circuit 300creates a binary output signal 308 that indicates whether to pair ornot.

To determine the relative mobility of the devices towards each other(i.e., how quickly the devices are getting closer), the rate of changeof the BLE signal strength signal 306 is determined by taking thederivative of the signal 306. Thus, the signal processing block 302includes a signal differentiation block 310 that receives the BLE signalstrength signal 306 and outputs the derivative (i.e., d/dt) of thesignal to the decision logic block 304.

The decision logic block 304 includes a first comparator 312 with inputscoupled to the output of the signal differentiation block 310 and amobility threshold value 314 selected to be large enough to insure thatthe devices were moved apart faster than a minimum required rateselected to indicate the movement was intentional. The output of thefirst comparator 312 generates a binary signal that when “TRUE”indicates if the relative rate of movement apart of the devices wassufficient to exceed the mobility threshold value 314.

The decision logic block 304 also includes a second comparator 316 withinputs coupled to the BLE signal strength signal 306 and a proximitythreshold value 318 selected to be large enough to insure that thedevices were moved far enough apart to indicate the movement wasintentional. The output of the second comparator 316 generates a binarysignal that when “TRUE” indicates that the devices were moved far enoughapart (e.g., signal strength indicates proximity) to exceed theproximity threshold value 318.

Coupled to the outputs of the two comparators 312, 316, a logic AND gate320 receives the binary signals from each. The logic AND gate 320generates the binary output signal 308 which indicates to pair only ifboth binary signals from the two comparators 312, 316 are “TRUE”. Ifeither comparator binary output signal is not “TRUE”, the logic AND gate320 generates a binary output signal 308 indicating that the devicesshould not be paired.

Turning now to FIG. 4, an example pairing motion sequence 400 orproximity pattern is illustrated. The pairing motion sequence 400includes a first motion event 402 where the devices (e.g., a smartphone104A and a BGM 102), which are initially adjacent each other, are movedapart to at least a pre-defined distance from each other and a secondmotion event 404 where the devices are moved together. The motiondirection arrows 406 (only one labeled) indicated the movement of theBGM 102 away from the smartphone 104A during the first motion event 402and toward the smartphone 104A during the second motion event 404. Notethat the first motion event 402 is broken down into five steps and witheach step the BGM 102 is moved a bit further away from the smartphone104A. Likewise, the second motion event 404 is broken down into foursteps and with each step the BGM 102 is moved a bit closer to thesmartphone 104A.

Also note that as a reference for a user, an optional segmentedproximity indicator bar 408 is displayed on the smartphone 104A. Thesegmented proximity indicator bar 408 can be part of a user interfaceadapted to aid a user in executing the pairing motion sequence. Thedisplay changes based upon the relative distance between the BGM 102 andthe smartphone 104A. The closer the two devices, the more segments ofthe indicator bar are displayed and the further apart the two devices,the fewer segments of the indicator bar are displayed. Thus, forexample, when the user has moved the devices far enough apart to satisfythe pre-defined distance condition of the pairing motion sequence 400,the segmented proximity indicator bar 408 disappears. Likewise, when thepairing motion sequence 400 starts and ends, the segmented proximityindicator bar 408 is displayed with all of the segments.

In some embodiments, alternative displays or graphics can be used toindicate the proximity of the devices to each other. For example,instead of or in addition to a segmented bar, a series of concentriccircles can be used. In some embodiments, colors can be used. Forexample, a color spectrum ranging from red to purple can be used wherered indicates the devices are proximate to each other and purpleindicates the devices are distant from each other. Further, in someembodiments, sound can be used. For example, a rapid beeping sound, fasttempo music, and/or high pitch tones can indicate the devices areproximate to each other and a slow beeping, slow temp music, and/or lowpitch tones can indicate the devices are distant from each other. Insome embodiments where the pairing motion sequence requires that themotions be performed at a rate faster than a mobility threshold,graphics, color, and/or sound can be used to indicate that the motionsneed to be performed faster. For example, if the user is moving the BGM102 too slowly, the proximity indicator bar 408 can flash red. If therate exceeds the mobility threshold, the indicator bar can be displayedin a solid blue color.

Turning now to FIG. 5, a flow chart depicting an example method 500 ofpairing wireless devices according to embodiments of the presentinvention is described. The method 500 starts with executing anapplication on a smart device (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptopcomputer, etc.) that is BLE enabled (502). While embodiments of theinvention can use other wireless communication protocols, the examplemethod 500 will be described using BLE to better illustrate theembodiment. The application can be a dedicated pairing application or itcan be part of a larger application that will use the wirelessconnection established by pairing the device. The application canuse/implement the embodiments of the logic circuits described above withrespect to FIGS. 2 and 3 as well as the user interface embodimentsdescribed above with respect to FIG. 4. In some embodiments, theapplication will place the smart device in a pairing mode.

The second device, which is also BLE enabled, is placed immediatelyproximate to the smart device (504). The second device is then placed inpairing mode (506). The smart device displays an indication of itsproximity to the second device in response to receiving the seconddevice's pairing broadcast signal (508). The smart device instructs theuser to move the second device away from the smart device (510). Thismotion represents a first motion pairing event that once completed, willsatisfy a first pairing condition.

In response to the changing distance between the two devices, the smartdevice displays a changing proximity indicator (512). Once the smartdevice detects that the second device has been moved away a sufficientdistance to satisfy a first predefined pairing motion sequence/eventcondition, the smart device instructs the user to move the second devicetoward the smart device (514). This motion represents a second motionpairing event that once completed, will satisfy a second pairingcondition.

In response to the changing distance between the two devices, the smartdevice displays a changing proximity indicator (516). Once the smartdevice detects that the second device has been moved close enough to thesmart device to satisfy a second predefined pairing motion sequencecondition, the smart device pairs with the second device (518).

This example includes two pairing conditions that are satisfied at twodifferent times but in a pre-defined sequence. As indicated above, thepairing conditions can require multiple motion events that can berequired to be completed in parallel and/or in a sequential order.

The “tap to pair” embodiments described above with respect to FIG. 2uses an accelerometer on the smart device side to detect a tap event.Other embodiments of the present invention allow the same methods to beused to pair two wireless devices in the case where the smart device hasno accelerometer, it is desired to not use the accelerometer, and/oradditional security is desired.

Turning to FIG. 6, many handheld electronic devices, such as BGMs 102,have piezoelectric acoustic components, such as piezoelectric buzzers602 or speakers, which are driven by microcontrollers 604. As shown inFIG. 7, a piezoelectric acoustic component (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer602) includes an active element 702 (e.g., piezoelectric crystal) formedas a plate or disk that is coupled to a mechanical diaphragm 704. Anelectric audio signal or any alternating current (e.g., from amicrocontroller 604) is applied to the active element 702 via a positiveelectrode 706 and a negative electrode 708 each electrically coupled toopposite surfaces of the active element 702. The active element 702responds to the electric signal by flexing in proportion to the voltageapplied across the active element's surfaces as indicated by arrows 710and 712. The response thus converts electrical energy into mechanicalacoustic energy. The active element 702 includes polarized material(i.e., a material made of molecules that are positively charged on oneend and negatively charged on the other). When an electric field isapplied across the polarized material, the polarized molecules willalign themselves with the electric field, resulting in induced dipoleswithin the molecular or crystal structure of the material. Thisalignment of molecules causes the material to change dimensions. Thisphenomenon is known as electrostriction. In addition, a permanentlypolarized material such as for example, quartz (SiO₂) or barium titanate(BaTiO₃), will produce an electric field when the material changesdimensions as a result of an imposed mechanical force. This phenomenonis known as the piezoelectric effect. Therefore, the same piezoelectricbuzzer 602 can work as both a sound transducer as well as a signalgenerating vibration/impact sensor.

Embodiments of the present invention use a wireless device's existingpiezoelectric buzzer 602 to generate an interrupt for themicrocontroller 604 when the device is tapped (e.g., the mechanicaldiaphragm 704 vibrates in response to the device being tapped and theactive element 702 generates an electrical signal in response to beingcompressed by the vibrating diaphragm 704). This signal response to atap can be used in the pairing process between the two devices. From theperspective of a wireless device manufacturer that wants to createdevices that can pair with any smart device, using the peripheral orsecondary device's piezoelectric acoustic component instead of the smartdevice's accelerometer can be beneficial since the pairing does notdepend on correctly determining accelerometer sensitivity (e.g.,different smart devices may have different sensitivities), since thesensitivity of the second device (e.g., a BGM 102) is predictable andcontrollable. Another benefit of this approach is that almost all theelectronic hardware needed is typically present or available, so that noadditional external integrated circuits are required.

FIG. 8 depicts an example pairing method according to embodiments of thepresent invention. Assume that a smartphone 104A and a BGM 102 with apiezoelectric buzzer 602 are ready for pairing. Further assume thatthere are several “eavesdropping” BGMs 802 within pairing range of thesmartphone 104A that are also in pairing mode and continuouslyadvertising for a connection. When the BGM 102 is put in pairing modeand thus advertising, if it is tapped, the BGM 102 senses the tap eventusing the piezoelectric buzzer 602 and transmits this information to thesmartphone 104A. In response, the smartphone 104A then pairs with theBGM 102 that was tapped.

In alternative embodiments, a pairing condition can be that both the BGM102 and the smart phone 104A are required to detect a tap event thatoccurs at the same time (e.g., within a very small window to account forsignal lag etc.). For example, the smartphone 104A and the BGM 102 canbe tapped against each other and each individually detects the tapevent, the BGM 102 using its piezoelectric buzzer 602 and the smartphone104A using its accelerometer and/or its own piezoelectric speaker. TheBGM 102 can transmit a report of the tap event to the smartphone 104Aalong with both a “current” timestamp and a timestamp for the tap event.The smartphone 104A can use the information and its own record of thetap event to determine if the tap event that the BGM 102 reportedhappened at the same time (e.g., within a very small window to accountfor signal lag etc.) as the tap event that the smartphone 104A recorded.(Note that the smartphone 104A can use the “current” timestamp from theBGM 102 to synchronize its own clock with the BGMs to compare the tapevent timestamps.) Along with proximity and mobility informationdescribed above with respect to embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3,the smartphone 104A can determine with a high degree of certainty if theBGM 102 was tapped against the smartphone 104A and thus, is the correctdevice with which to pair.

FIG. 9 depicts an example dual use piezo circuit 900 that allows apiezoelectric acoustic component (e.g., a piezoelectric buzzer 602) tofunction as both a sound generator and a vibration/impact sensoraccording to embodiments of the present invention. The circuit 900facilitates concurrently connecting the buzzer 602 for performing bothfunctions even though the functions are not executed concurrently. Thepiezoelectric buzzer 602 is driven by two I/O pins from themicrocontroller 604. Since the piezoelectric buzzer 602 is not used togenerate sound while pairing, which is the time period during whichembodiments of the present invention use the piezoelectric buzzer 602for “tap detection”, there is no concern regarding race conditions inthe dual use configuration depicted in FIG. 9. When the wireless deviceis tapped, the piezoelectric buzzer 602 generates a low amplitudeelectrical signal V_(BUZZ) as depicted in the top graph 1000A of FIG.10. The frequency of this signal is close to the piezoelectric buzzer'sresonant frequency and its amplitude is on the order of millivolts. Thissignal is a function of the mechanical design and specific piezoelectricbuzzer characteristics. The amplitude of this signal is not sufficientto generate an interrupt at the microcontroller 604. However, using acomparator 902, the low amplitude signal can be detected and amicrocontroller interrupt can be generated in response. Manymixed-signal microcontrollers have embedded analog-to-digital converters(ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and analog comparatorswhich can be utilized to implement this example embodiment of thepresent invention.

For example, an embedded DAC 904 within the microcontroller 604 can beprogrammed to generate a DC reference voltage V_(REF) to serve as thethreshold voltage for a comparator 902. The comparator 902 compares thesignal V_(BUZZ) from the piezoelectric buzzer 602 with the referencevoltage V_(REF). If the signal level exceeds the threshold (i.e.,V_(BUZZ)>V_(REF)), the comparator 902 generates an interrupt pulse (orpulses) as shown in the lower graph 1000B of FIG. 10. The output of thecomparator 902 has a normal digital voltage level V_(DD) that can bedetected by the microcontroller 604 and used as an interrupt. The diodeD1 eliminates the negative component of the bipolar piezoelectric buzzersignal V_(BUZZ). Some piezoelectric buzzers 602 with high resonantfrequency may generate very short input pulses (e.g., on the order ofmicroseconds) that are not long enough to be processed by themicrocontroller 604. The speed of interrupt processing depends on thespecific microcontroller 604, clock frequency and interrupt handlerdesign.

In an alternative embodiment, a monostable multivibrator 1102 can beused as shown in the alternative dual use piezo circuit 1100 of FIG. 11.The multivibrator 1102 receives a short input pulse 906 from thecomparator 902 and generates a stable output pulse 1104 with anyconfigurable duration as shown in graph 1200 of FIG. 12. This outputpulse does not depend on the duration of the short input pulse 906. Theoutput pulse duration can be adjusted so that even a slow speedmicrocontroller 604 can process the generated interrupt. The interruptduration is stable and absolutely predictable, which simplifiesinterrupt processing.

As mentioned above, many microcontrollers have embedded ADCs. As shownin FIG. 13, another alternative dual use piezo circuit 1300 can use anADC 1302 to detect a tap event in the signal V_(BUZZ) generated by thepiezoelectric buzzer 602. Unlike the methods described above, the signalV_(BUZZ) generated by the piezoelectric buzzer 602 is not used togenerate an interrupt. When the peripheral device (e.g., BGM 102) isattempting to pair, the microcontroller 604 enables ADC measurement. TheADC 1302 continuously poles the input voltage V_(BUZZ). When theperipheral device (e.g., BGM 102) is tapped, the ADC 1302 receives theV_(BUZZ) signal from the piezoelectric buzzer 602 and converts it into adigital value. If this value exceeds a pre-defined “tap” threshold(e.g., determined based on a calibration procedure), the microcontroller604 in the peripheral device generates a signal indicating the tap eventoccurred. The signal is incorporated into the advertising data (as inthe previous methods). A smart Device (e.g., a smartphone 104A)completes pairing upon receiving this data. Thus, only the peripheraldevice that generates a signal when tapped will connect to the smartdevice. All other advertising peripheral devices are ignored. Thisembodiment using an ADC 1302 also allows the implementation of a digitalfilter to reduce electrical noise.

Beyond pairing, there are numerous additional applications for the dualuse piezo circuits of the embodiments of the present invention. Forexample, in electronic devices warrantied against manufacturing defectsbut not against impacts, a dual use piezo circuit can be used to record(e.g., with a timestamp) whether the device has undergone a significantimpact. The recording can be used forensically to resolve responsibilityfor a warranty claim.

In another application, the dual use piezo circuit can be used inconjunction with a security function. For example, similar to a passwordprotection system, the device can be intentionally disabled until a userselected rhythm pattern of taps is detected by the dual use piezocircuit. This use could provide password protection in the form of arhythm pattern for a device that does not have a facility for enteringalpha-numeric characters (e.g., a keyboard).

In yet another application, the dual use piezo circuit can be used as atrigger for setting of an alarm if the electronic device is touched ormoved by an unauthorized person. For example, an audio alarm can be setto sound if is moved without disabling the alarm within a short timeframe (e.g., by pressing a button sequence or tapping a rhythm on thedevice).

Turning now to FIG. 14, a flow chart depicting an example method 1400 ofpairing with a dual use piezo circuit is shown. The method 1400 startswith executing an application on a smart device (e.g., a smartphone, atablet, a laptop computer, etc.) that is BLE enabled (1402). Whileembodiments of the invention can use other wireless communicationprotocols, the example method 1400 will be described using BLE to betterillustrate the embodiment. The application can be a dedicated pairingapplication or it can be part of a larger application that will use thewireless connection established by pairing the device. The applicationcan use/implement the embodiments of the circuits described above withrespect to FIGS. 2, 3, 9, 11, and 13 as well as the user interfaceembodiments described above with respect to FIG. 4. In some embodiments,the application will place the smart device in a pairing mode.

The peripheral device, which is also BLE enabled, is brought within BLErange of the smart device (1404). The peripheral device is then placedin pairing mode (1406). The smart device displays an indication ofreceiving the peripheral device's advertising signal (1408). In responseto detecting a tap event with a dual use piezo circuit of embodiments ofthe present invention, the peripheral device adds information indicatingthe occurrence of the tap event to the advertising broadcast (1410). Thetap represents a first motion pairing event that once the smart devicereceives notice, will satisfy a first pairing condition. In response toreceiving the indication that the peripheral device experienced a tapevent, the smart device pairs with the peripheral device (1412). In someembodiments, the smart device can require satisfaction of additionalpairing conditions such as, for example, meeting a proximity thresholdand/or a mobility threshold.

Numerous embodiments are described in this disclosure, and are presentedfor illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments are not, andare not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presently disclosedinventive concepts are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, as isreadily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The present disclosure is neither a literal description of allembodiments nor a listing of features of the invention that must bepresent in all embodiments.

The Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thisdisclosure) is not to be taken as limiting in any way as the scope ofthe disclosed invention(s).

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter as contemplated by 35 U.S.C. § 101, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but notall) disclosed embodiments”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “the invention” and “the present invention” and the like mean“one or more embodiments of the present invention.”

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “and/or”, when such term is used to modify a list of things orpossibilities (such as an enumerated list of possibilities) means thatany combination of one or more of the things or possibilities isintended, such that while in some embodiments any single one of thethings or possibilities may be sufficient in other embodiments two ormore (or even each of) the things or possibilities in the list may bepreferred, unless expressly specified otherwise. Thus for example, alist of “a, b and/or c” means that any of the following interpretationswould be appropriate: (i) each of “a”, “b” and “c”; (ii) “a” and “b”;(iii) “a” and “c”; (iv) “b” and “c”; (v) only “a”; (vi) only “b”; and(vii) only “c.”

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present disclosure, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, component or article is described herein, morethan one device, component or article (whether or not they cooperate)may alternatively be used in place of the single device, component orarticle that is described. Accordingly, the functionality that isdescribed as being possessed by a device may alternatively be possessedby more than one device, component or article (whether or not theycooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, component or article is describedherein (whether or not they cooperate), a single device, component orarticle may alternatively be used in place of the more than one device,component or article that is described. For example, a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-baseddevice. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described asbeing possessed by more than one device, component or article mayalternatively be possessed by a single device, component or article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other devicesthat are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality and/or features. Thus, other embodiments need not includethe described device itself, but rather can include the one or moreother devices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit to eachother as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for weeks at a time. In addition, devices thatare in communication with each other may communicate directly orindirectly through one or more intermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components and/or features arerequired. On the contrary, a variety of optional components aredescribed to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of thepresent invention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent and/or feature is essential or required.

Further, although process steps, algorithms or the like may be describedin a sequential order, such processes may be configured to work indifferent orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps thatmay be explicitly described does not necessarily indicate a requirementthat the steps be performed in that order. The steps of processesdescribed herein may be performed in any order practical. Further, somesteps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or impliedas occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is describedafter the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a process by itsdepiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustrated process isexclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, does not implythat the illustrated process or any of its steps are necessary to theinvention, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not indicate that all or even any of the steps are essentialor required. Various other embodiments within the scope of the describedinvention(s) include other processes that omit some or all of thedescribed steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that all of the plurality are essential or required.Various other embodiments within the scope of the described invention(s)include other products that omit some or all of the described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

Headings of sections provided in this disclosure are for convenienceonly, and are not to be taken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

“Determining” something can be performed in a variety of manners andtherefore the term “determining” (and like terms) includes calculating,computing, deriving, looking up (e.g., in a table, database or datastructure), ascertaining, recognizing, and the like.

A “display” as that term is used herein is an area that conveysinformation to a viewer. The information may be dynamic, in which case,an LCD, LED, CRT, Digital Light Processing (DLP), rear projection, frontprojection, or the like may be used to form the display. The aspectratio of the display may be 4:3, 16:9, or the like. Furthermore, theresolution of the display may be any appropriate resolution such as480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p or the like. The format of informationsent to the display may be any appropriate format such as StandardDefinition Television (SDTV), Enhanced Definition TV (EDTV), HighDefinition TV (HDTV), or the like. The information may likewise bestatic, in which case, painted glass may be used to form the display.Note that static information may be presented on a display capable ofdisplaying dynamic information if desired. Some displays may beinteractive and may include touch screen features or associated keypadsas is well understood.

The present disclosure may refer to a “control system,” interface, orprogram. A control system, interface, or program, as that term is usedherein, may be a computer processor coupled with an operating system,device drivers, and appropriate programs (collectively “software”) withinstructions to provide the functionality described for the controlsystem. The software is stored in an associated memory device (sometimesreferred to as a computer readable medium). While it is contemplatedthat an appropriately programmed general purpose computer or computingdevice may be used, it is also contemplated that hard-wired circuitry orcustom hardware (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit(ASIC)) may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments.Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software.

A “processor” means any one or more microprocessors, Central ProcessingUnit (CPU) devices, computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices. Exemplary processors are the INTEL PENTIUMor AMD ATHLON processors.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any statutory medium thatparticipates in providing data (e.g., instructions) that may be read bya computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media,and specific statutory types of transmission media. Non-volatile mediainclude, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistentmemory. Volatile media include DRAM, which typically constitutes themain memory. Statutory types of transmission media include coaxialcables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprisea system bus coupled to the processor. Common forms of computer-readablemedia include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk,magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, Digital Video Disc(DVD), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any otherphysical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, aFLASH-EEPROM, a USB memory stick, a dongle, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer canread. The terms “computer-readable memory” and/or “tangible media”specifically exclude signals, waves, and wave forms or other intangibleor non-transitory media that may nevertheless be readable by a computer.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols. For amore exhaustive list of protocols, the term “network” is defined belowand includes many exemplary protocols that are also applicable here.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by a control system and/or theinstructions of the software may be designed to carry out the processesof the present invention.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models, hierarchicalelectronic file structures, and/or distributed databases) could be usedto store and manipulate the data types described herein. Likewise,object methods or behaviors of a database can be used to implementvarious processes, such as those described herein. In addition, thedatabases may, in a known manner, be stored locally or remotely from adevice that accesses data in such a database. Furthermore, while unifieddatabases may be contemplated, it is also possible that the databasesmay be distributed and/or duplicated amongst a variety of devices.

As used herein a “network” is an environment wherein one or morecomputing devices may communicate with one another. Such devices maycommunicate directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless medium suchas the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), Token Ring, orvia any appropriate communications means or combination ofcommunications means. Exemplary protocols include but are not limitedto: Bluetooth™, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code DivisionMultiple Access (CDMA), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM),Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), General Packet RadioService (GPRS), Wideband CDMA (WCDMA), Advanced Mobile Phone System(AMPS), Digital AMPS (D-AMPS), IEEE 802.11 (WI-FI), IEEE 802.3, SAP, thebest of breed (BOB), system to system (S2S), or the like. Note that ifvideo signals or large files are being sent over the network, abroadband network may be used to alleviate delays associated with thetransfer of such large files, however, such is not strictly required.Each of the devices is adapted to communicate on such a communicationmeans. Any number and type of machines may be in communication via thenetwork. Where the network is the Internet, communications over theInternet may be through a website maintained by a computer on a remoteserver or over an online data network including commercial onlineservice providers, bulletin board systems, and the like. In yet otherembodiments, the devices may communicate with one another over RF, cableTV, satellite links, and the like. Where appropriate encryption or othersecurity measures such as logins and passwords may be provided toprotect proprietary or confidential information.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., one or more microprocessors) will receive instructions from amemory or like device, and execute those instructions, therebyperforming one or more processes defined by those instructions. Further,programs that implement such methods and algorithms may be stored andtransmitted using a variety of media (e.g., computer readable media) ina number of manners. In some embodiments, hard-wired circuitry or customhardware may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of various embodiments.Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination ofhardware and software. Accordingly, a description of a process likewisedescribes at least one apparatus for performing the process, andlikewise describes at least one computer-readable medium and/or memoryfor performing the process. The apparatus that performs the process caninclude components and devices (e.g., a processor, input and outputdevices) appropriate to perform the process. A computer-readable mediumcan store program elements appropriate to perform the method.

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication. Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursuepatents for subject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but notclaimed in the present application.

The foregoing description discloses only example embodiments of theinvention. Modifications of the above-disclosed apparatus, systems andmethods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention, as defined by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of pairing a smart device with aperipheral device, the method comprising: placing a smart device and aperipheral device in pairing mode; detecting at least one pairing motionevent with a dual use piezo circuit within the peripheral device, thedual use piezo circuit having a first input to control functioning as avibration/impact sensor and having a second input to control functioningas a sound generator, the functioning as a vibration/impact sensor andthe functioning as a sound generator not executed concurrently;transmitting an indication of the occurrence of the at least one pairingmotion event to the smart device; receiving in the smart device theindication of the occurrence of the at least one pairing motion event insatisfaction of at least one pairing condition; and pairing the smartdevice with the peripheral device in response to satisfaction of the atleast one pairing condition.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprisingexecuting a pairing application on the smart device.
 3. The method ofclaim 2 wherein the at least one pairing motion event includes tappingthe peripheral device.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein detecting atleast one pairing motion event with the dual use piezo circuit includesreceiving a signal from a piezoelectric buzzer having an amplitudegreater than a threshold amplitude.
 5. The method of claim 4 whereinsatisfying the at least one pairing condition includes detecting a tapevent with the peripheral device.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein theat least one pairing motion event includes tapping together the smartdevice and the peripheral device.
 7. The method of claim 6 whereinsatisfying the at least one pairing condition includes tapping togetherthe smart device and the peripheral device with sufficient force toexceed a pre-defined tap threshold.
 8. The method of claim 7 whereinsatisfying the at least one pairing condition includes moving the smartdevice and the peripheral device together at a fast enough rate toexceed a predefined mobility threshold.
 9. The method of claim 8 whereinsatisfying the at least one pairing condition includes moving the smartdevice and the peripheral device close enough together to exceed apredefined proximity threshold.
 10. A system for pairing two wirelessdevices, the system comprising: a first wireless device that includes aprogrammable smart device that is Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) enabled;and a second wireless device that includes a BLE enabled peripheraldevice and a dual use piezo circuit within the peripheral device, thedual use piezo circuit having a first input to control functioning as avibration/impact sensor and having a second input to control functioningas a sound generator, the functioning as a vibration/impact sensor andthe functioning as a sound generator not executed concurrently; whereinthe second wireless device includes a processor and memory storingperipheral device instructions executable on the processor, wherein theperipheral device instructions when executed are operable to: place thesecond wireless device in a pairing mode, detect performance of at leastone pairing motion event, and broadcast an indication of the occurrenceof the at least one pairing motion event to the smart device, whereinthe smart device includes a processor and memory storing smart deviceinstructions executable on the processor, wherein the smart deviceinstructions when executed are operable to: receive the indication ofthe occurrence of the at least one pairing motion event in satisfactionof at least one pairing condition, and pair the smart device and theperipheral device in response to satisfaction of the at least onepairing condition.
 11. The system of claim 10 wherein the smart deviceinstructions further include instructions which when executed areoperable to: execute a pairing application.
 12. The system of claim 11wherein the peripheral device instructions further include instructionswhich when executed are operable to: detect that the peripheral deviceexperienced a tap event.
 13. The system of claim 12 wherein theperipheral device instructions further include instructions which whenexecuted are operable to: detect at least one pairing motion event withthe dual use piezo circuit by receiving a signal from a piezoelectricbuzzer having an amplitude greater than a threshold amplitude.
 14. Thesystem of claim 13 wherein the peripheral device instructions furtherinclude instructions which when executed are operable to: generate theindication of the occurrence of the at least one pairing motion event inresponse to an interrupt signaling the occurrence of the tap event. 15.The system of claim 10 wherein the smart device instructions furtherinclude instructions which when executed are operable to: monitor for anoccurrence of at least one pairing motion event that includes tappingtogether the smart device and the peripheral device.
 16. The system ofclaim 15 wherein the smart device instructions further includeinstructions which when executed are operable to: determine that the atleast one pairing condition is satisfied when the smart device and theperipheral device are tapped together with sufficient force to exceed apre-defined tap threshold.
 17. The system of claim 16 wherein the smartdevice instructions further include instructions which when executed areoperable to: determine that the at least one pairing condition issatisfied when the smart device and the peripheral device are movedtogether at a fast enough rate to exceed a predefined mobilitythreshold.
 18. The system of claim 17 wherein the smart deviceinstructions further include instructions which when executed areoperable to: determine that the at least one pairing condition issatisfied when the smart device and the peripheral device are movedclose enough together to exceed a predefined proximity threshold.